by S. L. Morgan
“We are lucky we made it to this time period at all,” Levi said with a laugh. “And to think Harrison almost blew it for all of us.”
“Well, I didn’t,” Harrison shot back. “Marian, my dear, I do not understand your talents, nor will I try to, but I do know for certain that you have given me the best gift of my life. I should start referring to you as my little fairy godmother!”
“I guess you and I both know what it’s like to have the love of our life remember loving us again, Harrison,” Reece said as she smiled at Levi.
Levi walked over, reached for Reece’s hand, and brushed his lips over the top of it. “There is nothing more precious than to be reunited with the one you love.” He rose up. “Would you care for something to drink, perhaps some tea or wine?”
Harrison stood. “Wine sounds marvelous.” He looked at Angeline. “Allow Levi and me to attend to each of your ladies’ needs. It appears as though my wife and I will be intruding on your lovely family for the evening.”
Angeline looked over at Reece. “I am so sorry. We had no intentions of intruding. We merely wanted to share what was happening.”
Reece reached for Angeline’s delicate hand. “You are always welcome wherever we are.”
As the men went to the cabinets and began pouring drinks, Angeline swallowed hard as she looked at Marian. “Forgive me if I am out of line, but I told Harrison that even though I have these memories through my dreams, I do not have every detail of my life in that future. Perhaps when everything settles down, you could show me those memories, as you did with the others?”
Marian smiled. “I would be more than happy to accommodate.”
“Tea for the young lady,” Harrison said as he offered the cup and saucer to Marian.
They relaxed into the sofas, and Marian set her cup and saucer to the side. Reece watched Harrison’s friendly expression turn to that of a protective warrior when he looked at Angeline. “Are you certain you want to see the memories? I do not wish for you to see our last moments together before—”
“Shh,” Angeline covered Harrison’s lips with her finger. “I am prepared for that.”
Harrison’s eyes pleaded with Marian as she sat next to the couple on the sofa. “Is there any way you can remove those thoughts from your mind as you show her your memories?”
“I will try my hardest.” She reached for Angeline’s hand. “I cannot be certain if she will see them or not, being they are my mother’s memories.”
Harrison exhaled as the women both closed their eyes. Reece watched both women intently as well, hoping Angeline would not see the horrifying memories of her death. When their eyes reopened, Angeline embraced Marian. “Thank you.”
“You are most welcome.”
“Angie?” Harrison questioned.
She turned, and her eyes glittered. “I’m curious as to when you would like to start your new line of flannel and overalls here in Pemdas?”
Recalling the joke Reece had made about the men while wearing the cabin owner’s clothing, Reece covered a laugh with her fist.
Harrison embraced his wife and slowly retracted. “Did you? You know?”
Angeline’s eyes were transfixed on Harrison’s. She brought a hand to his cheek. “Do whatever it takes to stop all of them.”
Harrison embraced Angeline once again. “You have my word on that.”
Reece stood, prompting Levi to follow. “Angie?” she softly questioned, bringing her and Harrison’s attention to her.
Angeline rushed over to Reece and embraced her. “I can’t believe everything we went through, you and I.”
“This is so amazing,” Reece answered. “I feel like I have a best friend back.”
“And I have my wife back,” Harrison interjected.
They all returned to their seats. “This is most certainly a gifted night for all of us.” Levi looked at Marian, sitting at Reece’s side. “Would you mind continuing to tell us about your learning to travel through time?”
“Not at all.” She turned to Reece. “Would you like to watch the memories, Mother?”
Reece held Levi’s hand. “I think I’ll listen along with everyone else.”
“Marian,” Levi started, “how is it that you finally found us on Earth? I am curious as to why you showed up at that particular time?”
“Essentially, I had no idea where exactly on Earth you were. Each time I jumped, I would think of you so as to get close to your location; however, every time I jumped to Earth, Mordegrin could sense me, and I had to retreat. You see, his plans failed, and he needed me to bring him back in time to change them.”
“How did his plans fail?” Harrison asked.
“He crushed the stone,” Reece spoke out.
“Yes,” Marian answered. “After he crushed that powerful object, he lost control of all the life forces he had brought into the galaxy. The more he fought to maintain his power, the faster it drained his energy.”
“That is very interesting,” Levi said, deep in thought.
“The reason I jumped to that particular time was not completely by choice. It took me many years to be able to enhance my abilities. At first, I could only jump a few days out at a time. The stronger my ability became, the more I could stretch it. I wasn’t able to jump out of my galaxy for quite some time, as the focus that comes along with doing so is very intense, and I was not able to do so. Once I was able to jump out of my galaxy, our next goal was to see how many people I could jump with me.” Marian’s eyes grew distant, and a tear slipped down her cheek, prompting Reece to reach out to her daughter.
“But you said you cannot physically jump with a person?” Harrison questioned.
“We did not know—I did not know what would happen. Certainly, nobody thought the worst. Uncle Caleb volunteered—” Marian stopped and shook her head.
“He didn’t survive the jump,” Harrison said quietly.
“No,” Marian whispered. “One minute he was holding my hand, and the next thing I knew he cried out in the most agonizing way and—”
Marian erupted into tears, and Reece swiftly brought her into a warm embrace. “Marian,” she softly spoke. She leaned back and smiled. “Caleb is alive now. We are all alive now, and it is only because of you. You must remember that.”
Marian nodded, cleared her throat, and sat upright. “After we had lost Caleb, we were all devastated, but we were desperate to find another way to get back to you. Galleta was the one who suggested the wormhole. It took years of practice to be able to harness the life force of another, but I became proficient at it. I wasn’t confident that Mordegrin trying to jump with me would kill him, but our dimension was rapidly falling apart, and I had no other option but to try it as soon as I jumped to Earth. Mordegrin sensed me the moment I entered his location, and you know how that ended for him.”
“How did you find us after that?”
“Do you remember the strange bird woman that turned to fire?”
“She’s kind of a hard one to forget,” Harrison grumbled. “She led you to us?”
“She referred to me as Reece, so I knew she had been in contact with you. There was something more behind the urgency in her eyes. I looked into her mind, and that is how I found your location. I did not entirely trust her, though, so I removed myself from her presence as swiftly as possible.”
“I am filled with sadness that you held such a significant burden and responsibility alone; however, I am astounded by your bravery and beyond grateful that you had the courage to pursue your talent to give us all a chance to stop the betrayal that started all of this and bring us back together.” Levi looked at his cousin. “Emperor Navarre expects us to begin our surveillance in the morning.”
Harrison looked out of the windows. “It appears that the snowfall has gotten heavier, but I believe that we can journey through it.”
Reece looked at Harrison in confusion. “Harrison, we were forced indoors for over a week because of this storm.”
Harrison laughed. “Have yo
u forgotten the Pemdai talents already? Perhaps you have forgotten when we first traveled into the Arsediean Galaxy?”
“True,” Reece answered. “How long will you be gone?”
“My father expects us to leave before first light tomorrow. We must start uncovering the plans we already know Michael is constructing. We plan to stay a step ahead of him and whoever else is involved in this betrayal,” Levi responded.
That evening after everyone left Reece’s bedchambers, Reece slipped into her bed, unable to stop the thoughts swirling in her mind. Learning about everything Marian went through to find them and bring them back in time all on her own was heartbreaking, but she was also exceedingly proud of her brave daughter. To know that she and Levi had such an amazing and gifted daughter made her heart swell with love.
“Asleep already?” Levi’s smooth voice called from behind.
Reece rolled on her back and smiled at Levi as he unraveled his cravat. “I didn’t think you would be coming back tonight since you are leaving so early.”
Levi arched an eyebrow at her. “I will not miss one opportunity to share a night with my wife. We have managed this far. We will be fine.”
Reece propped herself up on her elbows as Levi continued to undress. “Speaking of which, how do you think Harrison and Angeline are dealing? I am baffled that she remembers everything.”
Levi slipped into bed beside her. “I imagine they are both blissfully happy, and I am relieved that she remembers because Harrison was at his breaking point. I could sense it, and I feared he would not be able to handle this mission properly due to his agitation, grief, and hatred of Simone and Michael.”
Reece ran her hands along Levi’s chin. “I’m glad we’ll have the normal Harrison back again.”
Levi extended his arm out, inviting Reece into his embrace. “I am, too,” he said as Reece ran her hands up his side.
Levi stared into her eyes and gently kissed her lips.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
Levi studied her as his fingertips slid along the silky gown covering the leg she had draped over him. “I do not know, am I?”
Reece brought her hands through his hair. “You are on the right track,” she said before they indulged themselves in each other’s passion and love.
The next morning, Reece woke when Levi did. She tied her robe and walked through the dimly lit room. As Levi opened the door to exit her bedchambers, she gripped his arm. He turned back that instant and drew her into a tight embrace, kissing her ardently. With a soft kiss to her nose, he rose up and grinned. “I shall return before—”
“Isn’t this an interesting surprise?” a piercing voice called out.
Simone! Reece thought as anxiety coursed through her.
Levi turned with an expression so lethal, it halted Reece’s breath. “Madam, you are out of line, and you would do best never to speak of this encounter.”
Simone glared at Levi. “I am out of line?” She laughed with disbelief. “I thought Levi Oxley was an honorable and noble man.” She looked at Reece. “It appears as though he is not.”
“What are you trying to imply, Simone?” Reece boldly questioned the spiteful woman.
She eyed Reece’s gown and Levi’s partially buttoned shirt. “I believe you both know what I am implying.”
“You have no idea what you are talking about, and if I find that rumors have been spread through the palace about me or Miss Bryant, you will regret not heeding my warning.”
Simone laughed. “You both are vulgar and pathetic. As soon as I am able, I will be leaving this disgraceful palace. Do not fear, I have no plans to ruin the Oxley name.” She turned to leave and glanced over her shoulder. “I believe you are well on your way of doing that yourself,” she sneered.
After Simone had disappeared, Levi turned back to Reece, who stood numbly staring in the direction Simone had sauntered toward.
A finger to her chin brought Reece’s eyes up to meet Levi’s. “Now what do we do?” Reece sighed.
“I believe we may have encouraged Simone to act hastily with her plans. I will inform my father about the situation, and I want you heavily guarded while I am gone. She may not be able to leave the palace, but she is insane enough to take her wrath out on you.”
“Believe me, I can handle that psychopath.”
Levi embraced her once again. “Our plans to stop this begin now. Simone thinks she has the upper hand on us, but in reality, she has no idea of the plans we have for her.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
After he showered and changed into his attire for the journey to Casititor, Levi draped his greatcoat over his arm and marched briskly to the command center, where Navarre, Samuel, and Harrison sat in conversation in Samuel’s office.
“Levi?” Navarre questioned. “You appear to be upset. Has something occurred?”
Levi approached the men. “As you all are aware, Reece and I know each other as husband and wife, and I have been vigilant and discreet while staying in her rooms each night since we returned to this time period.”
“Wait a minute,” Harrison interrupted. He ran a hand through his hair. “Let me guess, Jasmeen showed up early this morning?”
“Worse,” Levi answered. “Simone was up before the sun, and she encountered Reece and me saying our farewells in Reece’s doorway.”
Navarre crossed his arms and sighed. “Did she see anything that would lead her to believe that you were doing more than merely checking on Reece before your departure?”
Somewhat embarrassed, Levi nodded.
Harrison coughed out a laugh and shook his head. “Did I not tell you that this would eventually happen?”
“Regardless, it has happened, and I must request that the guards keep a close watch on Reece while Harrison and I go to find Michael,” Levi answered.
Navarre looked at Samuel. “Any letters that leave the palace must be monitored, especially now. If someone encounters a letter to be sent out to anyone by Simone, it must be intercepted and read.”
“Very well, Emperor,” Samuel responded. “I have Guardians leaving for Earth on assignment. I will have Vincent speak with the servant who handles the correspondence entering and leaving the palace. They will be under orders to send all letters to my office.”
“I want them sent to mine,” Navarre ordered. “Samuel, we must not raise too much suspicion. Having you going over correspondence instead of working with the Guardians as their commander might rouse speculation for whatever reason. Let us not change things too drastically.”
“Very well, then,” Samuel returned. He looked at Levi and Harrison. “You both should be getting on your way. Our most recent intelligence has indicated that Michael Visor was last seen dining with Mr. Sterlington in Casititor.”
Harrison exhaled. “Fortunately, we will be doing this mission undercover, because I have no patience to deal with Annalisa and Suzanna, period.”
Levi grinned as he and Harrison turned to leave the room. “I believe those two will haunt you until the end of time.”
As they left Samuel’s office, adrenaline coursed through Levi’s body when Julian Hamilton walked into the command center.
Before Levi could speak up, Harrison did. “Well, if it’s not the great Julian Hamilton!” he said cheerfully as he strode briskly over to their friend whom they had lost in the battle of Armedias. Julian was a very tall, broad, intimidating man, and his demeanor alone commanded respect.
Julian smiled wryly as he shook Harrison’s extended hand. “The great Julian Hamilton?” He brushed his long, wavy hair behind his ear as he peered over at Levi with questioning eyes. “Are you two feeling okay?”
Levi recovered the expression of excitement he displayed after seeing Julian alive again. He clapped Julian on the shoulder and reached for his hand. “We are perfectly fine. How has guarding The Key’s clone on Earth been working out? Any further trouble with the Ciatron?”
Julian rolled his eyes. “They continue to pursue the clone r
elentlessly, but it is nothing we cannot handle,” he said, glancing over at the Guardian across the room with whom he was assigned to guard the clone.
Harrison laughed. “How is it that Samuel would believe Brandon would make an acceptable counterpart for you?”
Julian smirked. “I have asked myself the very same question ever since we were dispatched to Earth. Personally, I believe that our commander enjoys testing my patience.” He crossed his arms and turned his back toward Brandon. “The man is obstinate and exceedingly overzealous about guarding the clone. Aside from practically exposing us every time we encounter a Ciatron defender, he will not shut his mouth.”
Levi looked at Harrison. “I truly know how that feels.”
As Levi and Julian laughed aloud, Harrison’s forehead crinkled in confusion. “You are out of your mind to compare that man to me, my friend.” He stood tall and gave his waistcoat a firm tug. “If it wasn’t for my entertainment, I am confident you would have fallen asleep every time we followed Miss Bryant into a coffee shop to study with her friends.”
Levi shot Harrison a knowing look. “Actually, that is where you are wrong. I would have appreciated the silence to properly guard Miss Bryant while interacting with her friends.”
Harrison’s eyes narrowed. “Oh, I am certain you would have.”
“Gentlemen,” Julian interrupted the two. “I should very much enjoy continuing our conversation; however, Brandon and I have been given a short reprieve to report the activity of the clone and the Ciatron to Samuel.”
“Yes,” Levi responded. “Forgive us for keeping you. We are to report to Earth on a new assignment as well.”
“Good luck with your new friend over there,” Harrison said as the men prepared to leave.
“Friend? I think not. I plan to convince Samuel to assign a more interesting Guardian to replace him.” He grinned. “Until then, gentlemen.”
“It is truly delightful to see that man again,” Harrison said as he and Levi exited the command center.
“I agree. I must admit that as trying as it has been to return to this time period and start living our lives over again from this point, it is a small price to pay to be able to encounter all of our dearly departed again, and this time spare them from their untimely deaths.”
